slow coolant leak help

[greasyhog]

I have a slow coolant leak that leaves small puddles on the ground. I went to advance and rented the coolant system pressure tool. I hooked it up, got the pressure up and the pressure would very slowly drop but when connected I couldn't see or find any leaks. I ended up removing it, changing the oil then when I started the car up and looked underneath I saw some coolant dripping. I jacked the car back up and saw that it was dripping off a black plastic shield in front of the tranny pan that also runs next to the starter. The problem is I can't seem to trace back where the leak was coming from. Anyone have a similar problem or might know where the actual leak might be from from the given info?

[SleepyHead98]

what kind of vehicle is this? Could vary. Front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, Milage etc is helpful. When was the last time you did coolant work? Hopefully it just a hose, such as heater hose.

[greasyhog]

2000 intrigue, 3.5, fwd, 200,000 miles. Only thing I have done to the coolant system was change a leaky coolant resavoire (sp?).

[SleepyHead98]

That olds is running Dexcool, you should change that stuff out regularly, before 100k and before 80k thereafter, dont let it get low, or it turns acidic and eats head gaskets and intake gaskets.

Anyways, Follow the hoses from radiator, might be the return hose. check heater hoses aswell. Also, sometimes they have these plastic connectors for the heater hoses that degrade oover time. They will just snap and dump all coolant on the ground. Im thinking it sheater hoses

[suburbanstevie]

I have the same problem. '99 Olds Intrigue with the 3.5L. Couple of years ago I changed the coolant crossover gaskets, and all was dry for awhile. But about 6 months ago a tiny leak began, and very hard to trace. But I think it is the rear head gasket.

I would be inclined to replace as it is a nice running car. But the interior stuff is falling apart. Door switch covers coming lose, window actuators needing replacement, etc.

Btw... I've flushed the coolant on a regular basis, that didn't seem to help.

[wallace956]

Head gaskets are an issue on this motor. I used a head gasket sealant at 250000 km and still not leaking at 280000km

[Tech II]

Wallace956 check the date of the last post....